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> Bed-Sharing Is a Top SIDS Risk for Babies Under 3 Months [STUDY]

STUDY: Bed-Sharing Is Top Factor Linked to Sleep Deaths in Infants 3 Months and Under

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Summary: The top risk factor for infants 3 months or younger who die in their sleep is bed-sharing, according to a new study of factors associated with sleep-related infant deaths. It's a good reminder for parents to familiarize themselves with the risks associated with bed-sharing.

By Marygrace Taylor | Posted: July 14, 2014

When your infant is up crying at 2 a.m. for the fifth night in a row, it might seem the only way to get some shut-eye is to bring her into bed with you. And it feels so nice to snuggle. But new research offers a sobering reminder that at night (or anytime), babies likely are better off sleeping solo.

Bed-sharing is the number one risk factor for sleep-related deaths in very young babies, finds new research published today in the journal Pediatrics. The study, which sought to determine associations of various sleep-related death risk factors for different age groups within the first year of life, examined 8,207 infant deaths that occurred in 24 states between 2004 and 2012. After reviewing the data, researchers found nearly 75 percent of infants ages 3 months or younger were sleeping in bed with an adult at the time of their death. The same was true for more than half of babies ages 4 months or older. But for these babies, sleeping in a family bed or crib with hazardous objects (fluffy blankets, pillows, stuffed animals) was the factor most associated with sleep-related deaths.

Indeed, in another recent study of 436 unexplained cases of sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) that occurred in 2011, investigators noted that the majority of incidents (382 cases) occurred in an unsafe sleep environment (when baby was not sleeping in a crib, was lying on his stomach, and/or had loose bedding or other objects in the crib).

"We found that in some of these bed-sharing situations, parents had even eliminated objects [that could cause suffocation] like pillows and quilts, which throws into question whether you can ever make a bed-sharing situation safe at all," says lead study author Jeffrey Colvin, M.D., a pediatrician at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

The study did not take into account factors that can also play a role in co-sleeping deaths such as alcohol or substance abuse. It is also unclear how common co-sleeping is, so it is impossible to determine the likelihood of death in a co-sleeping situation.

Co-sleeping is an option many parents use – almost always with the loving goal of keeping a tiny baby safe and comforted. It’s good to know that co-sleeping doesn't have to mean sharing a bed. In fact, keeping them close has a lot benefits. The AAP recommends that infants sleep in the same room as parents, which can cut a child's SIDS risk by 50 percent. "What we recommend is letting baby sleep in a bassinet or pack-and-play so that the child has his or her own separate sleeping area," says pediatrician and AAP spokesperson Corrin Cross, M.D.

Given that many parents say they want to co-sleep, there is still sure to be more research on this important topic. For now, you should consult your practitioner and make sure you understand the risks and the absolute don’ts of co-sleeping. Here are more safe-sleep tips to reduce your baby's risk for SIDS:

Always put your infant to sleep on her back, and make sure all caregivers do the same.

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